WASHINGTON – David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement upon reports that the Trump administration may withdraw as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):

“I strongly urge the Trump administration to maintain the United States’ participation in the UNHRC. Pulling out of this forum undermines our moral leadership in the world. The Human Rights Council has many faults; but we have seen time and again that strong U.S. leadership at the Council and within the United Nations as whole, can result in positive outcomes.”

“Since the U.S joined the Council in 2009 it has demonstrated just how crucial our leadership is, working to investigate atrocities in Syria, condemn abuses in North Korea, limit one-sided attacks against Israel, and affirm the rights of all people, including those who are LGBT. If the United States leaves the Human Rights Council we allow countries like Cuba, China, and Saudi Arabia, who reject the fundamental importance of human rights, to control its agenda. This would be a grave mistake.”

“I urge Ambassador Haley and Secretary Pompeo to maintain the United States’ participation in the Council while continuing to work with our allies and the leadership at the UN to make needed reforms.”